Nigeria's Silent Synth Prophet

William Onyeabor's reclusive genius and independent synth-funk pioneered Nigeria's 70s and 80s electro-boogie, a sound now rediscovered with Steve Monite and Goddy Oku.

Tracklist

  1. When the Going is Smooth & Good — William Onyeabor
  2. Only You — Steve Monite
  3. Fantastic Man — William Onyeabor
  4. Wedding Day — Goddy Oku
  5. Atomic Bomb — William Onyeabor
  6. Things Fall Apart — Steve Monite
  7. Body and Soul — William Onyeabor
  8. One More Chance — Goddy Oku

Transcript

Welcome to OffStereo. Evening's here — let's set the mood.

When the Going is Smooth & Good — William Onyeabor

William Onyeabor, a self-made Nigerian businessman, became a pioneering synth artist who independently produced and distributed his futuristic electro-funk from 1977 to 1985 on his Wilfilms label. His reclusive nature and post-music conversion to Christianity profoundly shaped his mystique, as he famously told Luaka Bop and Vice, "I only want to speak about God." His 1985 hit, "When the Going is Smooth & Good," offers a glimpse into his unique sound.

Only You — Steve Monite

Onyeabor was not entirely alone in this synth-driven revolution. The 1970s and 80s saw a shift towards synth-led disco sounds across Nigeria, influenced by new technology. Steve Monite's 1984 Afro-boogie hit, "Only You," exemplified this futuristic sound with its drum machines and MOOG synthesizers, though Monite noted, "When my record came out, everything went cold."

Fantastic Man — William Onyeabor

Onyeabor's enigmatic presence only deepened over time. The 2014 documentary 'Fantastic Man' chronicled his elusive history, with an acquaintance remarking, "It's difficult to say exactly who he is … so people just made up things to fit." This mystique was a key component of his legend, amplified by tracks like this one.

Wedding Day — Goddy Oku

The rich tapestry of Nigerian music from this era, beyond Onyeabor, has also seen a global resurgence, highlighting the importance of cultural exchange and collaboration. Artists like Goddy Oku, while not as widely known as Onyeabor, contributed to a vibrant and unique music scene now being rediscovered.

Atomic Bomb — William Onyeabor

Onyeabor's independent spirit extended to his entire creative process. He reportedly studied abroad in Europe, where he encountered synthesizers and record manufacturing, returning to Nigeria to establish his own studio and pressing plant. He described his baseline as "Creativity at its best," evident in his standout song "Atomic Bomb."

Things Fall Apart — Steve Monite

The reissuing trend brought a broader spotlight to Nigeria's 80s boogie. Soundway Records, for example, reissued Steve Monite's 'Only You' album in 2022, after its inclusion in their 2016 compilation 'Doing It In Lagos.' This renewed interest showcases how labels curated the mystique around these forgotten gems, like "Things Fall Apart."

Body and Soul — William Onyeabor

After releasing his last album in 1985, Onyeabor became a born-again Christian, refusing to discuss his musical past. This decision further amplified his mystique, as he told Luaka Bop's Yale Evelev, "Yale, you can sell my music, but don't sell me." Tracks like "Body and Soul" represent his prolific output before this conversion.

One More Chance — Goddy Oku

The rediscovery efforts by labels like David Byrne's Luaka Bop, which released 'Who Is William Onyeabor?' in 2013, triggered a full-blown revival for many Nigerian artists. This spotlight brought a wealth of hidden talent from the era, including Goddy Oku's captivating sound, to new global audiences.

Thank you for listening to OffStereo. What we imagine about these unearthed sounds can be as vibrant as the artist's original intent, a testament to music's enduring power.